Everyones favorite vegetable, carrots are perfect for weight loss. Her are a few reasons why.
- Carrots are an easy snack
- Carrots have a low calorie count. One cup of chopped raw carrots contains only 52 calories.
- Carrots are fiber-rich. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a pattern in young adults: The more fiber they ate, the less likely they were to gain weight.
- Carrots contain the second-highest sugar count in a vegetable, so they can be a great replacement for a fattening treat when you are craving something sweet.
Nutritional Value of Carrots
Vitamins and minerals are essential to healthy weight loss.
- Carrots are a tremendous source of beta-carotene, which our bodies can convert to Vitamin A.
- Carrots also contain falcarinol, a phytochemica.
- Carrots do not contain cholesterol and are very low in saturated fat.
- Carrots are very high in fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C.
- Carrots are high in niacin, manganese, and vitamin B6.
The Essential Vitamin B6
Our bodies need vitamin b6, also known as pyridoxine, to balance hormonal changes in women and assist the immune system and new cell growth.
It is also used to metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and helps to balance the body’s sodium and potassium content.
This vitamin especially benefits women who suffer from pre-menstrual symptoms of bloating, cramps, mood swings, and acne.
Exercise has also been shown to boost the body’s active production of vitamin B6.
Vitamin B6 Deficiencies
Mood swings and decreased sex drive are reported when pyridoxine levels are reportedly low. Other symptoms of short supply include:
- Irritability and nervousness
- Insomnia
- Skin changes like acne
Symptoms of Pyridoxine Deficiency
People taking antidepressants, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy are at the highest risk of vitamin b6 deficiency. Watch out for these symptoms:
- Ridged nails
- Inflammation of the tongue
- Bone changes
- Kidney stones
People on high-protein diets; those who use alcohol; or those allergic to MSG may also risk vitamin b6 deficiency and will want to consider an herbal supplements.
Vitamin B6 in your Diet
The following foods are rich in pyridoxine:
- Brewer’s yeast
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Carrots
- Fish
- Peas
- Wheat germ
- Walnuts
Perfect Weight Loss Foods
Carrots and other foods containing vitamin B6 are perfect for weight loss because they promote new cell growth as well as overall health to keep you going. They should be an essential part of your diet if you are serious about losing weight.
Get a jump start on your personal weight loss program today.
Sources:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_2_32/ai_83316370
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:EOMf0VWYLL4J:www.dole5aday.com/FoodService/pdfs/FACTSHEET_Carrots.pdf+why+are+carrots+good+for+you&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us
http://www.calorie-count.com/calories/item/11124.html
